Erica Rutherford (1923-2008) visited Prince Edward Island for the first time in 1970. At once, she felt at home. She would visit the Island many more times before finally moving permanently to P.E.I. in 1985.

Rutherford was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, but over the years would live in England, France, South Africa, Spain, Italy, and a variety of places in North America. Apart from painting and printmaking, Rutherford was an actor, a designer for the theatre, filmmaker, farmer, teacher, and author.

Although primarily self-taught, Rutherford studied at the Slade School of Fine Art, the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London, and at L'Academie Julien, in Paris. She boasts over 40 solo exhibitions and participated in over 100 group shows. Her works have been acquired by many public institutions in Europe, the U.S.A. and Canada, and can be found in numerous corporate collections.

Rutherford made major contributions to the development of Island art. She helped establish the Printmakers Council of P.E.I. workshop in Charlottetown. Canada Post selected her work for a stamp representing P.E.I. for the Canadiana Fund. Rutherford was admitted to the Royal Canadian Academy in 1999.

As an author, Rutherford\’\’s publications include, \“The Island Alphabet\” (children\’\’s book), \“Yoga for Cats\” (humor), \“Dance for Cats\” (humor), and \“The Owl and the Pussycat\” (children\’\’ s book). Her autobiography, \“Nine Lives\”, was published in 1993. In it, she documented her struggle with gender identity that led to her decision to undergo sex reassignment surgery.

To commemorate the life and art of the maritime artist, The Erica Rutherford Memorial Scholarship was created.

More information concerning eligibility and selection regarding the The Erica Rutherford Memorial Scholarship can be found by contacting:

The Erica Rutherford Memorial Scholarship C/O The Prince Edward Island Council of the Arts